Afrobeats singer, songwriter, and actress Tiwa Savage created a buzz on the internet last weekend with her performance at King Charles III’s coronation concert held at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, in the United Kingdom. She became the first Nigerian artist to perform at a British monarch’s coronation.
Tiwa stunned in a custom wardrobe that celebrated Nigerian heritage, wearing a bespoke green shimmering gown by fashion designer Lanre Da Silva. Her outfit was complemented by green nails and green Louboutin heels.
Performing before a captivated audience of over 20,000 attendees and with a global viewership of over 18 million, Tiwa Savage delivered an enchanting rendition of the song “Keys to the Kingdom,” which she recorded with Mr. Eazi for Beyoncé’s album “The Lion King” in July 2019.
Accompanied by an ensemble of violinists, drummers, and backing vocalists, Tiwa serenaded the crowd with beautiful tunes in the Yoruba language. The audience erupted with excitement when two Bata (talking drums) drummers joined her on stage, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
The coronation concert also featured performances by renowned global music icons, including Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Nicole Scherzinger, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, Freya Ridings, Alexis Ffrench, Andrea Bocelli, and Sir Bryn Terfel.
Born in Isale Eko, Nigeria, 43 years ago, Tiwa Savage moved to London at the age of 11 for her secondary education. She later attended the University of Kent, England, where she earned a degree in Business Administration. Additionally, she holds a professional music degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston, which she obtained in 2007.
Tiwa began her music career as a backup vocalist for American artists George Michael and Mary J. Blige. In 2006, she participated in the UK edition of The X Factor, making it to the final 24 contestants but ultimately finishing in 12th place. In December 2011, Tiwa co-hosted the second season of Nigerian Idol alongside IllRymz. She made her acting debut in the stage adaptation of “For Colored Girls” alongside Joke Silva and Ireti Doyle.
She joined Mavin Records in 2012 and became one of the label’s leading acts, contributing to the compilation album “Solar Plexus” in the same year. Her debut studio album, “Once Upon a Time,” was released in 2013 and featured hit singles such as “Kele Kele Love,” “Love Me (3x),” “Without My Heart,” “Ife Wa Gbona,” “Folarin,” “Olorun Mi,” and “Eminado.”
Tiwa’s second studio album, titled “R.E.D,” was released on December 19, 2015, and produced two singles, “My Darlin” and “Standing Ovation.” She has also released a debut EP titled “Sugarcane.”
In May 2019, Tiwa Savage announced her record deal with Universal Music Group and her departure from Mavin Records. Her third studio album, “Celia,” was released in August 2020, featuring four singles: “Attention,” “Dangerous Love,” “Koroba,” and “Temptation.” She followed it up with her second EP, titled “Water & Garri,” released on August 20, 2021.
In July 2022, Tiwa Savage was honored with an honorary degree from the University of Kent during a graduation ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral. She received a Doctor in Music award for her inspirational and internationally acclaimed music career.
